The rainfall and flooding have subsided. However we have quite a challenge getting the golf course back under control. Mowing and other maintenance practices late into the evenings has helped but there are still a lot of wet areas. We are addressing them as they dry.
The potties on the golf course have been very difficult to keep clean. The saturated golf course will not allow the heavy equipment out to clean the toilets on a regular basis. I was able to guide the cleaner around on Saturday morning and they have all been cleaned prior to the couples tournament today.
I sprayed greens with a fungicide and foliar fertilizer on Saturday morning. This will help control dollar spot fungus and keep the greens healthy. Several of the greens, including 17, were sprayed with a fertilizer that will help the damaged areas heal more quickly. Some plugging and hand top dressing will also be necessary.
We completed the new sod in water quality areas at the beginning of the work week. These areas were west of five green and around the pumphouse. The grass seed and soil experienced a lot of erosion during the flooding. Even with the excessive rainfall we have been watering these areas every couple of days to keep the sod moist on top. These areas will recover quickly.
The budget has been completed for the fiscal year 2018. Our revenues fell $25,000 short of expenses. Overall, revenues were down about $50,000 from a normal budget. It has been a very difficult 2018 for everyone and I look forward to sunshine and lots of golfers.
Fortunately our operating reserves were over $117,000 and we can easily absorb the loss in this past budget. It has been a while since we did not finish in the positive and still leaves me frustrated to end in the hole. Tomorrow is another day and it could be worse.
In the upcoming days the course will be sprayed to control clover and other broadleaf weeds. This has not been possible with the past weather conditions. I will be happy when the weeds have been controlled and I don’t have to see anymore white clover.
The tile project for 16 is still on hold. This area is heavily saturated and there is lots of standing water. I will stay in contact with Matt Hagedorn so we can fix this issue as soon as conditions allow.
We have a very busy day today with 70 couples playing in our tournament. The staff inside and out has done a great job so far this year keeping things flowing smoothly during the rough weather conditions. It’s nice to see the sun shining and clear blue skies.
Hand watering greens as well as the sod is on the early morning agenda today. Our park areas as well as public works areas will be mowed as well. The weather should be great for a wonderful day of couples playing golf.
Please contact me with questions, comments, or concerns so they can be addressed quickly. Enjoy the remainder of the weekend.
Here are a couple pictures of the sod:
Spencer Municipal Golf Course 